How to Start a Promotional Advertising Business

If you have a marketing background, or simply have a knack for helping other people promote their businesses, you may have luck starting a promotional advertising business. As a promoter, you will help individuals promote new and existing businesses to bring in new clientele.

• Ensure you have the knowledge to promote on a professional level. Although a degree in marketing is not required to start your own business, it is important to at least have knowledge or experience before handling the promotion of clients' businesses.


• Build a professional website. Potential clients will want to work with a promotional company with a strong web presence. Create this website yourself if you have site-building experience, or hire a professional to help. Use your website to highlight your services and establish your company's quality. Include your website on your business card so potential clients can look at it before contacting you. Use SEO techniques to rank for company-related keywords, as you will land a number of new clients with a good search engine rank.


• Decide whether you want to work from home or rent a storefront. Both options have pros and cons. A storefront can help you appear more professional and established, but will cost a hefty sum in monthly rental fees. A virtual storefront costs very little, but may make potential customers weary. If you plan to work for local clients only, a physical office is likely the best option.


• Establish a relationship with a promotional products company. If there is a local design or promotional products store, work with them to cross promote each other's businesses. Once you establish a relationship with them, you will be able to advise your clients on what types of promotional products will best serve their business.


• Obtain licenses before setting up shop. The required licenses will depend on the nature of your business, so check with your local government offices to understand how to legally run your business.